Angels stumble on Haren's off night

June 18, 2011

Updated Aug. 21, 2013 1:17 p.m.

1 of 17

Dan Haren of the Angeles pitches against the New York Mets on Saturday at Citi Field. Haren had his shorted outing of the season as the Angels lost to the New York Mets, 6-1, on Saturday. AL BELLO, GETTY IMAGES

1 of 17

The New York Mets' Angel Pagan steals second base as Angels second baseman Howard Kendrick waits for the ball during the fourth inning. FRANK FRANKLIN II, THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

1 of 17

The New York Mets' Carlos Beltran celebrates with teammates after hitting a two-run home run during the fifth inning. FRANK FRANKLIN II, THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

1 of 17

Jose Reyes of the New York Mets celebrates scoring against the Angels. AL BELLO, GETTY IMAGES

1 of 17

Jose Reyes of the New York Mets steals second base as Howie Kendrick of the Angels is late with the tag. AL BELLO, GETTY IMAGES

1 of 17

Angels shortstop Erick Aybar (2) passes teammate Vernon Wells (10) as he drops a ball hit by the New York Mets' Daniel Murphy, allowing a double during the second inning. FRANK FRANKLIN II, THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Dan Haren of the Angeles pitches against the New York Mets on Saturday at Citi Field. Haren had his shorted outing of the season as the Angels lost to the New York Mets, 6-1, on Saturday.AL BELLO, GETTY IMAGES

NEW YORK – You should have known unusual and disturbing things were bound to happen on Saturday night at Citi Field when Academy Award-nominated actress Glenn Close belted out the national anthem and her voice cracked near its end.

A night after an impressive victory, the Angels stumbled during their encore, losing to the New York Mets, 6-1, in the second game of this interleague series.

The Angels' familiar vapid offense returned, scratching out only five hits on right-hander Mike Pelfrey (4-5), who earned the complete-game victory.

Angels right-hander Dan Haren (6-5) struggled uncharacteristically with his command and mechanics, particularly on his splitter. He lasted only four-plus innings — his shortest outing of the season — and allowed a season-high six runs on eight hits, including a two-run Carlos Beltran home run in the fifth inning.

"I never really got into a rhythm," said Haren, who struggled to control of his splitter and felt disrupted by the Mets' pressure on the bases and other defensive lapses.

Leadoff speedster Jose Reyes went 1 for 3, stole two of the Mets' four bases and scored twice.

Back-to-back singles by Angel Pagan and Jason Bay — the first off the glove of Angels shortstop Erick Aybar and the second in front of a deep playing center fielder Vernon Wells — led to the Mets' 3-0 lead in the fourth inning that was also marred by first baseman Russell Branyan's fielding error.

"We made a couple of miscues but I don't know if those miscues added up to what beat us tonight," said Manager Mike Scioscia, whose Angels couldn't climb out of a 6-0 hole at the time of Haren's fifth-inning departure.

Mark Trumbo's opposite-field blast — his team- and rookie-leading 12th home run of the season — sailed beyond the 415 marker in right field and into the second deck above the Mets' bullpen for the Angels' only run.

That crack of the bat was a lot more pleasant than that of a singer's voice.

User Agreement

Keep it civil and stay on topic. No profanity, vulgarity, racial
slurs or personal attacks. People who harass others or joke about
tragedies will be blocked. By posting your comment, you agree to
allow Orange County Register Communications, Inc. the right to
republish your name and comment in additional Register publications
without any notification or payment.